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true in the regions of natural forest growth, in the forestless region we 
are in the nature of the case forced to employ trees not native, either 
brought from other parts of our own country, which are climatically 
similar yet different, or else from foreign countries which may offer 
species much better adapted to the arid and subarid conditions of our 
Western plains. 
It seemed only proper that at first the adaptability of our very 
varied native flora be tested with such exotics as had become fairly 
acclimated, like the Scotch and Austrian Pines, which seem to have 
done fairly well in some of the Northwestern plains. Last year, how- 
ever, under instructions of Secretary Wilson, a special effort was 
inaugurated to find species especially adapted to the arid regions. 
In order to do this systematically and with full knowledge of the 
climatic conditions from which the species came, and with such pre- 
cautions as are necessary to be observed so as to avoid the simultaneous 
importation of undesirable pests, Mr. D. G. Fairchild was employed to 
earry out the following programme, prepared by the chief of the Division 
of Forestry: 
(a) Employ a man specially fitted for this kind of acclimatization work, thor- 
oughly familiar, by residence, with climatic conditions of the arid regions or part 
of them, who is to devote his entire time and attention to this one problem, and give 
him opportunity to study the field as well as the literature bearing on this problem. 
(b) Establish (possibly in connection with the experiment stations of Arizona, 
New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, etc.) trial gardens, where all materials are tested. 
(c) Collect and plant seeds of plants of all.the native tree and shrub flora indige- 
nous to the dry regions of our own country, which have never been tested in culti- 
vation and which probably answer best our needs. 
(d) After thorough study of literature, and preliminary correspondence with 
proper persons in foreign countries, let the acclimatizator travel through these coun- 
tries to collect plant material, becoming familiar at the same time with the climatic 
similarities and differences of these countries as compared with our own. Some 
material may be got by correspondence, but this method will prove only partially 
satisfactory. 
(e) If properly done and superintended, within four years the most unique and 
valuable arboreta in the world would thus have been assembled, which would in 
time answer the question as to the most desirable species for planting in the arid 
regions. 
Before Mr. Fairchild had fairly entered upon his duties it was con- 
sidered that such a systematic procedure would be desirable in all 
importations, and the whole matter of plant introduction was placed in 
his hands. 
Meanwhile Prof. N. E. Hansen had been sent on an expedition to 
Russia, and among the importations secured by him were found the 
following tree species, some of which were already known, although not 
extensively tried: 
Acer tartaricum. Populus (4 species). 
Artemesia procera. Quercus mongolica. 
Artemesia abrotanum. Salix (6 varieties). 
Caragana (9 species). Ulmus campestris microphylla. 
Fraxinus mandschurica. Tilia mandsehurica. 
